Bajka and Max Weissenfeldt (Poets Of Rhythm, Whitefield Brothers) first met each other when they both attended the same school in Munich, Germany. Their first recordings - under the name Das Goldenes Zeitalter - took place in 1998 and were subsequently released as a three-track 12" EP by Jazzman Records in 2006. Fans of 70s vintage Strata-East and Black Jazz recordings should check out Bajka's amazing performance on the epic "A Vision" from the EP which appears at the end of this post.

Now, Bajka has found her way back to her musical family via the Philophon label, joining a growing roster of talented artists including The Polyversal Souls, Roy X, Guy One, Alogte Oho Jonas, Hailu Mergia, Idris Ackamoor and The Pyramids, Jimi Tenor and Y-Bayani.

"The World" is driven by the heavyweight drumming of Max, counterpointed by the iridescent voice of Bajka. She reflects the glory of our world by showing the listener through her talent that she in person is for sure part of that glory. On the flip side, "Invisible Joy", Bajka gives her own interpretation of Philophon's own label anthem, which was previously the title track of The Polyversal Souls' celebrated debut album. Listen to Bajka's recording of "The World" below.

Friday, August 19, 2016

“Blue Rodeo’s show this Saturday, August 20 at the Molson Amphitheatre in Toronto will be our final show with our beloved pedal steel player Bob Egan, who is graduating from a highly successful career in music to a job in the public sector he feels is more suited to his new role as a 60 year old father of a 1 year old boy.

Bob has been with us for 17 wonderful years, a cherished band mate and friend, a big hearted man who gives tirelessly of himself, whether it’s through his charity work, his family, his work or his friendship. You always know you can count on Bob.

In over 20 years as a professional musician, Bob was a member of Freakwater,Wilco, and Blue Rodeo, released his own solo material and guested on countless recordings, including The Tragically Hip’s classic, Bobcaygeon. We will miss him terribly and wish him all the best in his new vocation. Love you, Bob.” – Glenn Milchem

An Open letter from Bob Egan

Bob Egan here, writing an open letter to Canada on the cusp of my final show with Blue Rodeo.

These last 17 years have literally been a dream come true for me. From an awkward teen playing the Legion Halls of Central Illinois to a grown man playing on the stages of the world, this journey has exceeded my wildest dreams.

Seventeen years ago on my first day in Canada, as I walked down Queen Street in Toronto, I experienced a feeling I had never felt in my life. I felt like I belonged. I felt surrounded by people I could relate to. I felt at peace. And after 40 years of searching, I finally felt at home.

That day changed my life but it was only the beginning. Over the years, from coast to coast, you Canadians welcomed me into your towns and cities, your homes and your arms. You shared your stories, your celebrations and sorrows, but most of all you shared your love. This, my fellow Canadians, is the greatest reward of my life.

To serve in Blue Rodeo is to experience a level and intensity of camaraderie that is unimaginable. For almost two decades I’ve had the honour of sharing the stages, the dressing rooms, the studios and buses all over this world. In this strange bubble of an existence I experienced the truest and deepest friendships. The support and the love of my bandmates has led to the greatest joys of my life – music, my sobriety, my wife and my new son Leo. For this, I am eternally grateful.

Family has always been the the most valued cornerstone of my life and the embrace of the extended Blue Rodeo family has been a wellspring of unconditional true love.

The bonds we share amongst our children, our siblings, our parents, our spouses and our loved ones run deep in the Rodeo family and I’ll treasure them all my days.

From Blue Rodeo I learned some of life’s most precious lessons – work to bring joy into people’s lives, take a stand for greater good, try to make this world a better place and above all, share the love.

It is with these lessons I embark on the next journey of my life. My membership in Blue Rodeo has opened the doors for me to be of service to my adopted hometown of Kitchener, ON., and I am proud, honoured and humbled by this opportunity.

To you, the supporters and fans, I will be forever indebted for it is you who have truly made me feel at home.

To my bandmates, though our paths may part, the ties that bind us never will.
You will always be my family. – Bob Egan